The Detroit Pistons have struck a new local media television rights agreement with Scripps Sports that will begin with the 2026‑27 NBA season. The arrangement restores Pistons games to free, over‑the‑air television for fans across Detroit, the surrounding metro area and the entire state of Michigan.
WMYD TV20 Detroit has been designated as the official local broadcast home of the team, allowing viewers to watch every game without a subscription. The games will also be available through participating cable and satellite providers, ensuring broad accessibility.
Scripps will combine the news gathering power of WXYZ with the broadcast reach of TV20 to deliver comprehensive coverage of the Pistons, including a weekly Pistons show and original team‑focused content across its network of stations.
A Fan‑First Vision
Tom Gores, the team’s owner, said the move is driven by the fans and is intended to bring more people in Detroit and Michigan into the Pistons family. Arn Tellem, vice chairman of the franchise, added that expanding access to games is a point of pride and that the partnership with Scripps will set a new standard for broadcast quality.
Brian Lawlor, president of Scripps Sports, highlighted the unique ability of over‑the‑air broadcasting to connect sports teams with their communities, while Mike Murri, regional vice president and general manager of WXYZ/TV20 Detroit, emphasized that the partnership will help bring the community together through shared basketball experiences.
Reviving Local Broadcast
The agreement marks the Pistons’ return to a primarily local broadcast television home for the first time since 2005, a milestone that reflects the franchise’s commitment to its regional fan base. The deal also includes plans for a direct‑to‑consumer streaming application, details of which will be announced later.
Together, the Pistons and Scripps aim to deliver a robust schedule of game‑day coverage, a weekly Pistons show, and original content that keeps fans engaged throughout the season, reinforcing the team’s presence on both traditional television and emerging digital platforms.